Pineapple Ham Pasta Salad

Pineapples have exceptional juiciness and a vibrant tropical flavor that balances the tastes of sweet and tart. Pineapple and bananas are America's favorite tropical fruit. 

Pineapples originated in South America, pineapples were first discovered by Europeans in 1493 on the Caribbean island that came to be known as Guadalupe. Columbus and other discovers brought pineapples back to Europe, cultivate the sweet, prized fruit until it was realized that the fruit's need for a tropical climate inhibited its ability to flourish in this region. The end of the 16th century, Portuguese and Spanish explorers introduced pineapples into many of their Asian, African and South Pacific colonies, pineapple is still being grown in these countries today.

Pineapples are very perishable, and modes of transportation to bring them stateside from the Caribbean Islands were relatively slow centuries ago, fresh pineapples were a rarity that became coveted by the early American colonists. Glazed, sugar coated pineapples were a luxurious treat. The pineapple, because of its rarity and expense, was such a status item in those times that all a party hostess had to do was to display the fruit as part of a decorative centerpiece, and she would be awarded.

18th century, pineapples began to be cultivated in Hawaii, the only state in the U.S. in which they are still grown. In addition to Hawaii, other countries that commercially grow pineapples include Thailand, the Philippines, China, Brazil and Mexico.

Research Source: WH Foods

 

Your family will love this Pineapple Ham Pasta Salad. Easy and delicious.

Pineapple Ham Pasta Salad

Copyrighted 2014, Christine’s Pantry. All rights reserved.

Ingredients:

4 ounces cooked elbow macaroni

2 cups cooked ham, cubed

1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained

1/4 cup white onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup buttermilk ranch dressing, more if desired

salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

In a bowl, combine all ingredients. Cover and chill for 1 hour. Enjoy!